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Why choose Geisinger for adrenal conditions?

What happens when your adrenal glands don’t work like they should? Everything can seem off: your energy, your mood, even your blood pressure. But when you’re ready to take back your life, we’re here to help.

You’re at the center of your care team, right here in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Adrenal conditions share symptoms with lots of other conditions. That makes them tricky to spot. But Geisinger specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease and adrenal conditions.

We use blood and urine tests, along with imaging such as MRIs and nuclear imaging, to pinpoint the type of adrenal condition you have. Then we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition that fits into your life. 

Treatments and services we offer

Related specialties

FAQs

What are the adrenal glands?

The adrenal glands are 2 triangle-shaped organs right above your kidneys. They’re part of your endocrine system. Their job: to produce hormones that help your body control blood pressure, metabolism (how your body uses energy) and the stress response — think fight or flight. Hormones even influence your immune system. 

What causes adrenal conditions?

Adrenal conditions happen when your adrenal glands produce too much or too little of a hormone or hormones. Since your adrenal glands produce many hormones, there are lots of possible causes of adrenal conditions. Some of the most common causes of adrenal symptoms include too much aldosterone (Conn’s syndrome), too much cortisol (Cushing’s disease) or not enough cortisol (Addison’s disease). 

What are the main types of adrenal conditions?

Adrenal conditions can include:

  • Addison’s disease: an autoimmune disease where you produce too little cortisol
  • Adrenal cancer: malignant tumors that start in the adrenal glands
  • Cushing’s disease: a mirror of Addison’s disease, this autoimmune disease causes your adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a genetic condition where the adrenal glands produce too much androgen (male sex hormone, such as testosterone)
  • Hyperaldosteronism: a condition where your adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure
  • Pheochromocytoma: an adrenal condition that can cause anxiety and high blood pressure

What are signs of adrenal gland problems?

Symptoms of adrenal conditions will vary based on what type you have. If your adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol, symptoms can include:

  • Confusion, depression, irritability, or mood changes
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Fever
  • Hyperkalemia (too much potassium)
  • Hyperpigmentation (your skin gets dark in certain areas)
  • Hyponatremia (not enough sodium)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
  • Salt craving
  • Weight loss

Too much cortisol, like in Cushing’s disease, can cause:

  • Central obesity (weight gain in trunk and face) 
  • Depression 
  • Easy bruising 
  • Facial rounding (moon face) 
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Purple stretch marks (striae) 
  • Skin thinning 
  • Weight gain

Other symptoms of adrenal conditions can include: 

  • Excessive sweating
  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations

Adrenal condition care at Geisinger

Your adrenal glands are connected to so much in your body. That's why your care plan should reflect the full picture. Here's what that looks like:

  • A team built around you: Endocrinologists, surgeons and other specialists collaborate on your care so every angle is covered, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
  • Care close to home: With locations throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania, you won't have to travel far for consultations, imaging, lab work or follow-up visits.
  • Advanced surgical options: If you need surgery, you can expect minimally invasive techniques. That means shorter recovery times and better outcomes.